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Beers, Bets, Bros: 3 Golf Getaways for Your Next Guys-Only Adventure

We asked and you answered. What are your favorite golf destinations, both in the U.S. and abroad? Your favorite hotels? Your favorite courses? Find out who reigns supreme at the first annual Golfers' Choice Awards.

by Joe Passov

Posted: Sun Nov. 29, 2015

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Beers, bets and bros. Here are three great golf getaways for your next guys-only adventure.

DO: You can enroll in a top sailing school at Casa de Campo's Marina, while a half-day deep-sea fishing excursion lets you try to reel in marlin, barracuda and wahoo.

BANDON: FIT TO BE TRIED?

When it comes to golf with the boys (right), I've been on more buddy trips than Hope and Crosby. My personal favorite: Oregon's Bandon Dunes, which has only gotten better with the new par-3 course, Bandon Preserve, and the putting course, The Punchbowl. Just a word to the wise: Go only if your body and swing are fairly fit. The travel time, terrain, often-wild weather and fun-but-challenging golf take a toll at this walking-only facility. This is no easy test to ace, as my cranky knees remind me every time I visit.

MORE FROM COORE

Reporting on Sand Valley in central Wisconsin, his latest design with partner Ben Crenshaw, Bill Coore tells me, "It's incredible working on a site that's pure sand. You get things done so fast. We were hoping to get nine holes planted this last summer, but we might actually finish 13." How does the course compare to their previous works at Sand Hills or Streamsong? "Sand Valley is completely different from anything we've ever done." The public, no-carts-allowed course is expected to open in June 2017.

RICO SUAVE

Now's the time to plan your cold-weather escape. I highly recommend Puerto Rico's Royal Isabela, with its thrill-packed back nine on cliffs above the Atlantic and its top-notch lodging and hospitality. royalisabela.com